I receive no compensation for the video or blog post.  I’m posting this because I want others to know more about the product.  Preparedness is very important.

If you’re like most American patriots you have the desire to be ready to defend your naturally born rights, family and property.  To do so requires owing and being proficient with capable firearms.  Good firearms and training mean basic ammunition load-outs, a way to carry and retain them on your person.

Nylon ALICE LBE post Vietnam

When I first started using load bearing equipment(LBE) it was in the mid 1970’s using ALICE LBE.  ALICE magazine pouches work great but they to create unwanted bulk when worn forward of the lateral midline of the body.  Very much like we see now with the magazines being placed front and center on chest rigs.

ALICE magazine pouch converted to PALS attached to an Air Force Defensor Fortis Load Carrying System

I no longer use the ALICE LBE unless it’s been converted to the Pouch Attachment Ladder System(PALS).  The ALICE magazine pouches are still on my LBE located in a more convenient place.  Their primary place has been taken by military surplus triple side-by-side pouches.

Surplus triple side-by-side magazine pouch.

These pouches are fantastic for keeping a low profile but suck for shifting magazines or resupply.  They don’t hold their shape to maintain an opening that would make is easy to place a magazine in them without looking and two hands.  I had considered making some kydex inserts myself but don’t have a shop set up to make them to my quality standards.  That fact left me searching for something commercially made.

Esstac 556 KYWI magazine insert.

There are several brands and makers out there, the prices vary considerably.  For the price I decided to try the Esstac 556 KYWI.  After several months of use I decided to purchase more.  They have a shape that once placed into the magazine pouch will snugly hold onto popular 30 round magazines such as the Troy and Pmag brands and of course USGI mags.  The insert has the hook part of hook & loop attached  to be used with their brand of magazine pouches and a drain hole in the bottom.

The insert keeps the pouch open so that I can load the pouch without looking or having to use two hands.  The edges of the kydex are not what I’d call finished.  Meaning raw 90° edges.  At first I thought this might catch the edges of the magazines but it has not.  If it ever gives me a problem I’ll hand smooth them to a desirable angle.  So far the unfinished edges seem to help hold the insert in place.

I’m satisfied enough with them to have all my triple pouches outfitted with them and a few spares.  Keep in mind that there are different height sizes depending on what you need.  Pay attention if you order some.  They also have them for 7.62 and pistol magazines.  I purchased mine from SKD Tactical however they can be purchased directly from Esstac.

Their use is demonstrated in the video.  I included an upside down shake test like you see in other review videos.  I however don’t plan on pulling off acrobatics in the field by doing somersaults or hanging upside down like a bat.  It has been my experience that the magazines will not dislodge from the pouch when jogging from one position to another or fly out when rapidly going prone.  Let me know if you’ve had a different experience with them or use something different.  -13